Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: September 18, 2025

Important: These Terms and Conditions govern the use of the learning platform of the Pedagogical Innovation Center (Centro de Inovação Pedagógica - CIP) of the Polytechnic of Porto. By accessing and using our platform, you expressly agree to these terms. If you do not agree with any provision, you must immediately cease using the platform.

1. General Information and Scope

1.1 Entity Identification

1.2 Scope of Application

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") apply to all users of the CIP learning platform, including:

• Students and trainees enrolled in courses
• Teachers and trainers
• Researchers and collaborators
• Visitors and unregistered users
• Institutional and external partners

1.3 Acceptance of Terms

Use of the platform constitutes full acceptance of these Terms. The user declares having read, understood, and accepted all provisions established herein. Continued use after changes to the Terms constitutes acceptance of the same.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• Platform: CIP's learning management system, including website, applications, and associated services
• User: Any person who accesses or uses the platform
• Content: Educational materials, texts, videos, exercises, assessments, and other resources made available
• Account: Individual platform access profile with unique credentials
• Services: Features and resources made available through the platform
• Personal Data: Information that allows user identification, as defined in GDPR

3. Access Conditions and Registration

3.1 Eligibility

To use the platform, the user must:

• Be at least 16 years old or have parental/guardian consent
• Provide true and updated information during registration
• Have legal capacity to enter into contracts
• Meet specific requirements for each course or program
• Accept these Terms and the Privacy Policy

3.2 Registration Process

Platform registration requires:

1. Complete completion of the registration form
2. Verification of the provided email address
3. Express acceptance of these Terms and the Privacy Policy
4. Meeting specific course requirements (when applicable)
5. Payment of fees (when applicable)

3.3 Access Credentials

User Responsibility:

• Maintain confidentiality of access credentials
• Immediately notify any unauthorized use of the account
• Use only your own credentials
• Not share the account with third parties without express authorization

4. User Rights and Obligations

4.1 User Rights

Users have the right to:

• Access content and services for which they are authorized
• Receive adequate technical and pedagogical support
• Protection of their personal data according to GDPR
• Adequate certification upon course completion
• Participate in assessment and feedback activities
• Access updated and quality learning resources

4.2 User Obligations

Users commit to:

• Use the platform only for legitimate educational purposes
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Not share protected content without authorization
• Maintain respectful and professional behavior
• Meet deadlines for work submissions and assessments
• Actively participate in learning activities
• Report technical problems or security violations
• Update personal information when necessary

4.3 Prohibited Conduct

It is expressly prohibited to:

• Use the platform for illegal or unauthorized activities
• Attempt to access restricted areas or third-party accounts
• Distribute malware, viruses, or harmful content
• Reverse engineer or attempt to compromise security
• Copy, distribute, or reproduce content without authorization
• Harass, intimidate, or discriminate against other users
• Publish offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content
• Use the platform for unauthorized commercial purposes
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
• Interfere with normal platform operation

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 CIP and P.PORTO Rights

All content made available on the platform, including texts, images, videos, software, design, and brand, are property of CIP, P.PORTO, or respective rights holders, being protected by:

• Copyright and Related Rights Law
• Industrial Property Regulations
• Applicable national and international legislation
• International treaties on intellectual property

5.2 Usage License

CIP grants users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to:

• Access and view content for personal learning purposes
• Download materials expressly authorized for such
• Print content for personal and educational use
• Participate in collaborative activities within the platform

License Limitations: This license does not permit redistribution, commercialization, modification, or creation of derivative works without express written authorization.

5.3 User Content

Regarding content created by users:

• The user retains copyright over their original content
• Grants CIP a license to use, reproduce, and display such content on the platform
• Guarantees possessing all necessary rights over submitted content
• Takes responsibility for any violation of third-party rights

6. Data Protection and Privacy

6.1 GDPR Compliance

Personal data processing on the platform fully complies with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - Regulation (EU) 2016/679
• Law No. 58/2019 of August 8 (Data Protection Law)
• Remaining applicable national and European legislation

6.2 Data Collected

The platform collects and processes the following types of data:

• Identification and contact data
• Academic and professional information
• Usage and navigation data
• Assessment results and progression
• Communications and interactions on the platform

6.3 Processing Purposes

Personal data is processed for:

• Account management and platform access
• Provision of educational services
• Learning progress monitoring
• Communication and technical support
• Research and service improvement (anonymized data)
• Compliance with legal obligations

Reference: For detailed information, consult our Privacy Policy.

7. Payments and Financial Conditions

7.1 Fees and Payments

When applicable, platform payments are subject to:

• Prices published at the time of registration
• Available payment methods
• Established payment deadlines
• Special conditions for students and partner institutions

7.2 Refund Policy

Situation	Timeframe	Refund
Cancellation before start	Up to 7 days before	100% (minus administrative fees)
Cancellation after start	Up to 14 business days	50% of amount paid
Serious technical problems	At any time	Proportional refund
No-show without notice	N/A	No refund

8. Availability and Features

8.1 Service Availability

CIP commits to maintaining the platform available 24/7, with the following exceptions:

• Scheduled maintenance (with prior notice)
• Urgent security updates
• Unforeseen technical failures
• Force majeure circumstances

8.2 Service Levels

• Target availability: 99.5% of time
• Response time: Support within 48 business hours
• Data backup: Daily security copies
• Recovery: Maximum 24-hour RTO

8.3 Platform Modifications

CIP reserves the right to:

• Add, modify, or remove features
• Update content and educational materials
• Change interface and user experience
• Discontinue services with 30 days' prior notice

9. Responsibilities and Limitations

9.1 CIP Responsibilities

CIP is responsible for:

• Providing quality educational content
• Maintaining data security and privacy
• Providing adequate technical support
• Complying with applicable legislation
• Making valid certifications available

9.2 Liability Limitations

CIP is not responsible for:

• Indirect, consequential damages or loss of profits
• Data loss due to user fault
• User connectivity problems
• Inappropriate or unauthorized use of the platform
• Third-party content or external links
• Decisions made based on platform content

9.3 Force Majeure

CIP will not be responsible for failures or delays resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters
• Third-party cyberattacks
• Critical supplier failures
• Unforeseen legislative changes
• Pandemics or public health situations

10. Violations and Sanctions

10.1 Term Violations

The following constitute serious violations of these Terms:

• Using the platform for illegal purposes
• Violation of intellectual property rights
• Unauthorized sharing of credentials
• Attempts to compromise security
• Harassment or discrimination of other users
• Providing false information

10.2 Disciplinary Measures

In case of violation, CIP may apply the following measures:

Type of Violation	First Occurrence	Repeat Offense
Minor violation	Written warning	Temporary suspension
Moderate violation	30-day suspension	90-day suspension
Serious violation	Permanent suspension	Definitive ban
Illegal activity	Ban + authorities	N/A

10.3 Appeals Process

Users may contest sanctions through:

• Formal review request within 15 business days
• Presentation of defense evidence
• Hearing with CIP officials (when applicable)
• Final appeal to P.PORTO management

11. Changes to Terms

11.1 Modifications

CIP reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time, committing to:

• Notify users 30 days in advance
• Highlight main changes
• Keep previous versions available for consultation
• Allow cancellation without penalties during transition period

11.2 Acceptance of Changes

Changes take effect on the specified date, whereas:

• Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance
• Users who disagree must cease using
• Specific contracts may have different terms

12. Termination and Cancellation

12.1 User Termination

The user may cancel their account at any time:

• Through platform settings
• By email to cip@sc.ipp.pt
• Subject to applicable refund deadlines
• With data deletion according to retention policy

12.2 CIP Termination

CIP may terminate access in case of:

• Serious violation of these Terms
• Prolonged inactivity (over 2 years)
• Fundamental changes to the service
• Decision to discontinue the platform

12.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination:

• Platform access is immediately suspended
• Data is handled according to retention policy
• Obtained certificates remain valid
• Refunds processed according to applicable policy

13. Applicable Law and Conflict Resolution

13.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by Portuguese legislation, including:

• Portuguese Civil Code
• Consumer Protection Law
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Law No. 58/2019 (Data Protection Law)
• Legislation on Higher Education and Professional Training

13.2 Conflict Resolution

In case of litigation, the parties commit to:

1. Amicable Resolution: Attempt direct resolution within 30 days
2. Mediation: Resort to mediation through certified entity
3. Arbitration: Voluntary arbitration when agreed by parties
4. Courts: Porto courts as competent in last instance

13.3 Consumer Rights

Users who are consumers under the law maintain all rights conferred by consumer protection legislation, including the right to conflict resolution through the Complaint Portal or Porto Consumer Conflict Arbitration Center.

14. Contacts and Support

14.1 Technical Support

14.2 Legal Issues

14.3 Data Protection

15. Final Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any specific agreements, constitute the complete agreement between the parties, replacing any previous agreements on the same subject.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

Non-enforcement of any right or provision of these Terms does not constitute waiver of that right or provision.

15.4 Assignment

Users cannot assign their rights or obligations without prior written consent from CIP. CIP may assign these Terms in whole or in part.

15.5 Notifications

All official notifications will be sent to:

• Users: email registered on the platform
• CIP: email cip@sc.ipp.pt or official address